5 Professional Photography Tips

Amateur photographers who are looking to move into the world of
professional and commercial photography could benefit from the
following photography tips. Starting out in professional
photography without having an understanding of the things that can make
you money is a recipe for disaster; and there are plenty of
self-starting photographers out there ready to take your place. Read on
to learn how to avoid losing money and time as you get started in the
field.

Tip 1 - Build Up Your Portfolio

A portfolio is an essential piece of equipment for those starting
out in the business. As you work, think about taking stock pictures
and creating an individual image that will make you stand out from the
rest of the photography herd.

Tip 2 - Take Stock Photographs

Stock photography is a great way to get your foot on the
professional photography ladder. Stock photographs are typically sold
on to agents, who keep files of photographs, typically online, for
clients to flick through. You can make sure that your photographs are
noticed by making them dynamic, and using asymmetrical positioning to
give your picture drama and emotion. Use your skill to create fantastic
new images from traditional stock pictures of beaches, boats, and
sunsets.

Tip 3 - Try Travel Photography

As well as stock photography, travel photography can be a real boon
to the professional photographer. Most of the typical tourist spots
have had their attractions photographed a million times; but there
might be room for a different way of looking at the place: street sign
posts, odd little restaurants with the signs in the country's language,
and images that are completely commonplace to the country, but seem
exotic and interesting to potential tourists.

Tip 4 - Practice Portraiture

Taking professional portraits is a serious business, but you must
pay attention to the pose, lighting and framing of each shot. As
portrait photography requires so much attention to detail (and possible
long hours at the computer, airbrushing), you should perhaps wait until
you are established before relying on this form of photography to make
you any money.

When you are trying to photograph a difficult subject, one
photography tip is to take the picture with the subject looking away
from the camera, slightly turned towards the opposite wall. This can
sometimes help them to relax, and forget about being photographed, and
can also allow you to capture the 'impressions' of a person's
character. Side portraits are also much more flattering than face-on
pictures.

Tip 5 - Be Enthusiastic

Remember that no matter what work you are given by a client, you
should always enthuse about the subject which they have given you.
Reassure them that you are interested, and also that you care about the
end result. This will help to assur your client that you will do a good
job, and also helps you to create a good working relationship which
will ensure further contracts in the future. Once you are earning money
for your job, you should be enthusiastic about the jobs you get: they
provide challenges and variety that ensure your work is never boring.